Global warming destroying archaeological treasures frozen for thousands of years

Climate change is damaging archaeological treasures which have been frozen for thousands of years, according to British scientists.

Remains in some of the coldest places on earth are becoming exposed as warmer temperatures cause ice and hardened ground to thaw, research by experts at the University of Edinburgh's Business School has found.

Terrible thaw: Ice melting due to climate change is damaging ancient relics

The scientists, who studied cases of damage at three sites across the world, are calling for a global organization to be set up to maintain a record of vulnerable sites and to co-ordinate efforts to conserve items that are at risk, particularly indigenous remains.
Dr Dave Reay, who supervised the study, said: 'Warming climates are expected to lead to more melting ice, and we need to take action to safeguard ancient treasures.
'Long-term efforts are needed to locate archaeological remains that are at risk, and research how best to care for them.

The research also showed that thawing temperatures in the Altai Mountains put burial mounds at risk.
The site contains the only frozen tombs in the world and is the resting place of Eurasian nomadic horsemen with links to modern-day Siberian nomads.
Katie Molyneaux, primary researcher on the study, said: 'There have been studies that climate change is a major factor affecting all of these sites.
'At the site in Alaska I was blown away by the rate of damage. The melting sea ice has meant large waves have caused the coast to retreat by metres every year.
'A lot of these sites are undocumented and are only being studied as they protrude out of the ice when they are already starting to degrade.'

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